Images of Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games rekindle fond childhood memories. I find beauty in watching an archer mount their bow and release with balanced form, precision and calm. Growing up in Canada, I enjoyed many sporting activities. Of all sports, archery influenced me the most. It enhanced mental focus, taught me patience, physical awareness, and emotional control. In many ways, archery prepared me for life. I believe archery teaches competition within oneself. Joining a team offers … [Read more...]

We stepped off the plane, walked to baggage claim and waited...and waited. Our luggage never made it to our connecting flight. We took a cab through our new and unknown country. Upon arriving at our apartment, we find the door is locked. I look down at my children and back at my husband as we stood on a desolate street, tired and hungry, with only the clothes on our backs. At that instant, I was filled with a sudden feeling of dread. What had I done? I made a terrible mistake! After all, it was … [Read more...]

It was a dark and chilly night, but she did not budge from her position. There was an absolute sense of focus and fearlessness in her eyes. She was determined and remained steadfast in her goal. She knew what she had to do. It was what Allah had intended for her. Nothing could stop her from keeping her baby gosling eggs warm and safe in their nest. There is so much for us to learn from this mother goose, such as how to own the roles and responsibilities that Allah has given us. Before we can … [Read more...]

My husband and I had a beautiful moment the other day, thanks to the kindness of a stranger. An event which at once beckoned us to remember Allah and His infinite blessings on us, amidst the madness that is often mealtime with kids. Those with children know exactly what I am talking about. We sat waiting for our breakfast at a favorite brunch spot, when suddenly our two girls became nostalgic for their beloved children’s song, one they ask for constantly and can never get enough of. As they b … [Read more...]

The place where my grandfather lies, alongside his father and mother, their parents, my uncles, and generations of other relatives is in a patch of land on the hillside of a hamlet in the occupied West Bank. My last memory of him was seeing him leave to go “home” after being diagnosed with cancer almost 20 years ago. Standing now at the green gate where my roots lie, I see the sign for a prayer: “Peace be unto you, the people of this abode from the believers and those who submitted, and we are, b … [Read more...]

Something trivial and maybe insignificant, but I was on a trip with a friend to a farm a while ago. She bought a couple of gourds and squashes, and I asked her what she was going to cook with them. She replied , “No, they’re for decoration.” For an instant, I was confused. My mind instantly associated the gourd decor with Halloween.But Alhamdulillah, I had a window of understanding opened, and a bit of stereotyping removed.I went to another farm a couple of weeks later, and on leaving, th … [Read more...]